Patients today often have several health concerns. They see providers across different specialties, sometimes in multiple health care networks. With different providers prescribing different drugs, there is an obvious potential for mix-ups. It is unsurprising, therefore, that drug interactions are a growing concern for patients.
Many times, patients are unaware their provider does not know what medications they are on. If medication lists need updating, patients forget what medicines they take or provide information on the wrong remedies. These factors can increase the likelihood of adverse drug interactions significantly.
An in-office medication dispensing system can help minimize drug interactions. Providers can fill patient prescriptions in the office, saving time and money. Patient compliance with medication adherence is easily monitored to reduce drug interactions and adverse effects.
This article will discuss the three types of drug interactions for which every patient should receive education at the point of care dispensing. All three must be considered with every patient.
Drug to Drug Interactions
drug-to-drug interactions occur when two or more medications interact with one another. Drugs that interact with one another can cause the patient to have adverse interactions. For example, it is common knowledge that a patient taking both an opioid pain medication and a benzodiazepine may have a significant respiratory event chance. The cause being both drugs sedate and cause respiratory suppression.
Drug to Food/Beverage Interactions
Drug to food or beverage interactions occur when the medication reacts to particular food or beverages. Many patients on methotrexate are unaware they should not be consuming caffeine if they are taking it to treat rheumatoid arthritis as it interacts, causing the medication to fail. This is an excellent example of a drug-to-food/beverage interaction.
Drug to Condition Interactions
Drug to condition interactions can occur when an existing medical condition makes the medicine harmful to take. A typical example is nasal decongestants and cold medications affecting patients who already struggle with high blood pressure. The over the counter medications can elevate blood pressure more, causing worsening of the condition.
How an In-office Medication Dispensing System Minimizes Drug Interactions
In-office medication dispensing systems allow physicians to dispense FDA-approved brand or generic medications directly to the patient. Physicians can have conversations with patients about medication in office, doing a thorough review of medication history and lifestyle choices.
Physicians stay up to date on drug interaction and lifestyle information as web-based technology updates medication knowledge regularly. Physicians and patients stay better informed, resulting in better patient outcomes.
First Coast Health Solutions – Further Information
Do you want to upgrade how your practice handles prescriptions? Look no further! Our point of care dispensing will meet your expectations!
First Coast Health Solutions (FCHS) is a leading national provider of full-service in-office medication dispensing programs. We offer the most comprehensive medication dispensing software & transparent billing management services in the country. The medications utilized in our programs are pre-packaged & compliant with all CFR regulations and our programs provide doctors with a cutting-edge, but simple to follow, web-based dispensing system. Our priority is to promote the establishment of a medical environment that is fully compliant and delivers complete quality patient care.
To find out more about our programs, visit our website firstcoasthealthsolutions.com
Alternatively, contact us in the way that best suits you:
- Call us at 904-350-1155, or 904-350-1157
- Please send us an email: info@firstcoasthealthsolutions.com
- Fill in our online contact form.
The material contained on this site is for informational purposes only and DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE PROVIDING OF MEDICAL ADVICE, and is not intended to be a substitute for independent professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health.
